Brazilian Musical Duo, Who Shared Their Music with Iowans, Launch ‘Goodbye’ Tour

After 20 years of living in Iowa and sharing their music across the Hawkeye State, and the world, a pair of Brazilian brothers are headed back to their homeland.

The B2Wins (pronounced B-twins), comprised of Walter and Wagner Caldas, are natives to Niteroi, and grew up in the favelas, where they found music as a way to combat the grim reality of violence, drugs, and poverty that seemingly engulfed their world. The two of them learned to play their fathers handcrafted violins, and began performing for an audience at just 13-years-old.

READ MORE: B2wins Bring Energy, Inspire Optimism Through Music

Their journey to America came when the brothers accepted scholarships to the University of Northern Iowa, where they would learn English and further master their musical craft. That launched them on a journey through the heartland of America, and the world, performing at colleges/universities, fairs, outdoor festivals, and more.

I had the privilege of having Walter and Wagner in the studio all the way back in September 2022, ahead of their performance at the University of Dubuque Heritage Center. I was not prepared for how energetic and exuberant they would be. The second they came into my studio, they basically sang their words as we had a conversation. They grabbed the mic, goofed around, and made me feel as if we were long lost friends. That's the power of how they connect with people.

This week, the B2wins took to Facebook, in a video captured at the State Capitol in Des Moines, to reveal that after 20 years in Iowa, they are returning to Brazil to prioritize family time. It's been a long time coming for the brothers, and you can clearly see a sense of sadness but simultaneously an excitement about their next journey.

Of course, they can't leave without saying goodbye, and a Facebook video won't cut it. This week, the B2wins have been revealing dates for their "Goodbye" tour. They currently have show dates in Des Moines, Waterloo, and Marshalltown.

In the video, the twins made explicitly clear, after a hilarious bait-and-switch, that they're not getting deported. You could tell it was a joke they couldn't resist making. It was the same spirit they brought to my studio when I met them back in 2022.

Congratulations to the B2wins, who embody the American dream as two brothers who came from nothing, obtained an education in America, embraced the country and the people in it, and followed their passion for two decades.

Take a listen to my interview with the B2wins from back in September 2022 below. Follow their "Goodbye" tour across Iowa on their Facebook page!